Vauxhall

In September 1948, the Vauxhall Wyvern and Velox were introduced, Vauxhall's first new post-war models, incorporating American influence. The Wyvern was fitted with a 1,442 cc four-cylinder engine, the Velox had a six-cylinder 2,275 cc engine. While the Velox exterior differed only in badging, additional brightwork and different coloured wheels, the interior boasted superior seating materials over the Wyvern including a central arm rest in the rear. Many of these cars were exported to help the British economy.

In August 1951, a completely new Wyvern and Velox were launched, featuring a modern ponton, three-box unitary construction body. Both cars featured upgraded versions of the existing engines, but after only six months of production of the rebodied cars, the Wyvern received a new 1,508 cc four-cylinder engine and the Velox a new six-cylinder 2,262 cc engine. In August 1954 a significant facelift was applied to the Velox. Most obvious of the many cosmetic changes was a new front grille and the trafficators being replaced by flashing lights. More important was the introduction at this time of a sister model, branded as the Vauxhall Cresta. In addition to superior equipment levels, the Cresta was distinguished by a two tone paint finish. Detroit was by now favouring annual facelifts, and Vauxhall reflected that trend, announcing further facelifts for both cars for 1956 and again for 1957.

At the 1957 London Motor Show, Vauxhall presented radically new Velox and Cresta models, these would come to be known as the PA versions. The Wyvern was discontinued. Particularly eye catching was the new wrap-around windscreen; combined with a three part rear window it created an airy passenger cabin providing exceptional all round visibility, Like the Cresta on which it was based, the Velox took styling cues from the 1957 Buick Special. Minor modifications to the car's six-cylinder engine raised power output to 83 hp. 

1960

The final version of the Velox, launched along with the Cresta PB at the London Motor Show in October 1962, was well over four and a half metres long: it was the largest Velox ever built, longer and wider than the benchmark Ford Zephyr with which it competed in the UK. The new car was stylistically more restrained than its flamboyant predecessor, the removal of vertical fins emphasizing the car's width. In October 1964 the Velox PB became available with a more powerful 3,294 cc engine. The update also included a new full-width grille, new tail lights and new interior trim. 

October 1965 saw the introduction of the Vauxhall Cresta PC, equipped with that same 3,294 cc engine. This time no Velox version was offered. In January 1967 domestic market deliveries began of the Vauxhall Cresta estate car. However, the long established Humber Hawk estate and recently introduced Ford Zephyr estate were considerably cheaper, so the Cresta estate never was a big seller and the last units were already made in 1968. 

Introduced early in June 1966, with the same engine and mechanical components as the Cresta PC, the Viscount was the "executive" version of it. It was supplied as standard with power steering, electric windows, reclining seats, a vinyl roof, walnut dashboard and even a heated rear window. 7,000 units had been made until 1972, when production of the Cresta and Viscount range ended with no direct replacement.